August 20, 2025 | 03:19 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several regions in Indonesia have staged demonstrations protesting the hike in the Rural and Urban Land and Building Tax (PBB-P2). Residents urged their local governments, which hold the authority to set the rates, to cancel the increases.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto said 104 regions had raised PBB-P2, with 20 of them imposing hikes of more than 100 percent. The Home Affairs Ministry has issued a circular asking local administrations to review their decisions.
“The Minister has issued a circular calling for a review,” Bima said at the ministry office in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
He emphasized that the appeal was meant to remind local governments to adopt policies that do not burden citizens. “We are confident that there will be a comprehensive evaluation so that local authorities reconsider their fiscal potential without imposing excessive burdens on the people,” Bima added.
Protests Across Regions
Pati Regency
In Pati, Central Java, residents rallied on August 13, 2025, against the regency government’s decision to raise PBB-P2 rates by up to 250 percent. Protesters were also angered by a statement from Regent Sudewo, who said he would allow rallies even with “5,000 or 50,000” participants.
To symbolize their protest, residents collected and stacked canned mineral water around the Pati Regency Hall and the town square.
Although Sudewo eventually revoked the policy, demonstrations continued, with thousands demanding his resignation. Tensions escalated when Sudewo appeared before protesters riding an armored vehicle. “I sincerely apologize,” he said from atop the vehicle, only to be pelted with shoes and water bottles.
The Pati Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) has since launched an inquiry into Sudewo’s possible impeachment, while residents set up a reporting post near the council building to monitor the process.
Bone Regency
In Bone, South Sulawesi, residents and students also took to the streets on August 14, 2025, claiming PBB-P2 rates had risen by 300 percent. The regency government denied this, saying the increase was only 65 percent.
Protests intensified on August 19, when crowds attempted to force their way into the regent’s office after failing to secure a dialogue with Regent Asman Sulaiman. Security forces pushed back the demonstrators.
Following the protests, the Bone government announced it would postpone the tax hike. Acting Regional Secretary Andi Saharuddin said the adjustment would be reviewed. “The leadership has instructed us to delay and re-evaluate the 65 percent increase,” Andi told reporters.
Cirebon City
In Cirebon, West Java, residents have also raised funds and organized protests against PBB-P2 hikes that have been in effect since 2024 under Regional Regulation No. 1 of that year. Although a previous lawsuit to the Supreme Court was rejected, residents continue to voice their opposition.
They now see the demonstrations in Pati as momentum for renewed resistance. “The protest in Pati has indeed inspired Cirebon residents,” said Hetta Mahendrati, spokesperson for the Paguyuban Pelangi Cirebon, on Friday, August 15, 2025. Hetta said protests in Cirebon are planned for September 11, 2025.
Mayor Effendi Edo denied claims of a 1,000 percent hike, saying the city was still reviewing public demands. “If there was an increase, it certainly did not reach 1,000 percent,” Edo said on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
RMN Ivansyah, Andi Adam Faturahman, and Jamal Abdun Nashr contributed to this article.
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